Judge Orders Trump Administration to Restore Voice of America

U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth ordered the Donald Trump administration to restore operations at the Voice of America (VOA) and reinstate 1,042 employees by March 23, 2026. The ruling follows a year-long period during which the broadcaster was effectively shut down, its language services reduced from 49 to six, and the majority of its workforce placed on administrative leave.

Judge Lamberth described the downsizing efforts led by Kari Lake, the Trump-appointed head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), as "arbitrary and capricious." The court found that Lake lacked the legal authority to execute mass layoffs because she had not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The ruling further stated that the administration ignored congressional intent regarding agency funding and the regions VOA must serve.

Donald Trump had initiated the dismantling of the agency through a March 2025 executive order aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy and eliminating perceived left-wing bias. In response to the legal challenges, the administration nominated Sarah B. Rogers to lead USAGM and appointed Newsmax executive Christopher Wallace as VOA deputy director. While the government indicated plans to appeal the decision, it has already begun restructuring USAGM leadership, moving Lake to a deputy position.

Reinstated officials, including VOA Director Michael Abramowitz, welcomed the ruling, though journalists warned that restoring technical infrastructure and regaining global trust after a year of inactivity will be significant challenges.